by B.J. Armstrong

February... the 2nd month of the year. I'd like to talk about the heart in February because it's Valentine's Day and I think of it as the "love" month and the "heart" month.

The heart is a small organ and weighs about 12 oz. This "power pump" can actually pump about 2,000 gallons of blood each day. It works continually even when you are sleeping. When the heart stops pumping... look out... life as you know it is over.

Do this quick check-list to find out if you have a healthy heart!

1. 30 to 60 minutes of walking every day.
2. Blood pressure is O.K.
3. Cholesterol is good.
4. Stress is under control.
5. In touch with God through prayer.

This is no guarantee that you won't have a heart attack, but it will help to shorten the odds. By the way, if you think someone is having a heart attack... or a stroke, ask them these 3 questions:

1. Ask the individual to smile.
2. Ask the individual to raise both arms.
3. Ask the individual to repeat after you.. "Today is _ (say whatever day it is.)

Prompt attention and treatment can prevent brain damage and death. Call 911 and seek medical attention if a heart attack or stroke is suspected.

The Bible says in Proverbs 24:3... Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects

everything you do."

The word "guard" means to take precaution, to shield from danger and to protect. Therefore, we need to take care of our heart and our body. To do this, we must be healthy.

The first thing in becoming a healthy person is to manage daily stress. Some ways to try managing stress are to:

1. Eat healthy
2. Exercise
3. Be happy
4. Be friendly
5. Pray a lot

Of course, healthy eating is essential to a healthy body. In addition to healthy eating, I urge people to take vitamins.

Vitamin E... prevents blood clotting and strokes, and strengthens the immune system.

Vitamin C... raises HDL or "good cholesterol" and protects against cardiovascular disease by preventing the build-up of plaque on artery walls.

Beta-Carotene... produces Vitamin A in the body without the dangerous side effects of taking it directly.

Folic Acid... promotes healthy heart functions.

This is only a small number and what they do. Some others are: Magnesium, Niacin, Selenium, Coenzyme Q10, just to name a few.

Begin on your road today or this heart month to having a healthy heart for a healthier body. It will enable you to have an effective and rewarding life.

"without a heart... there is no life." _Author Unknown
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